License Information
Military
Military licenses are valid only during that time when the licensee is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States.
Any person who possesses a military identification card that signifies that he is currently on active duty with any one of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, or the spouse or dependent of such person, may be issued a license for hunting or recreational fishing in Louisiana for the same fee as that required of Louisiana residents. The military identification card or dependent card and the appropriate license must be on the licensee’s person at all times when he is engaged in hunting and fishing activities.
Veterans having a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50 percent or more and residents who are blind, paraplegic or multiple amputee shall upon identification and proof of disability satisfactory to LDWF, be issued sports hunting license without the payment of any fees thereof. Contact Sports License at 225-765-2887 for required forms.
Veteran bona fide residency
Effective Aug. 1, 2019, a Louisiana Resident who was honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, for the purposes of purchasing a fishing/hunting license will be considered a bona fide resident of Louisiana once he/she possess a Louisiana driver’s license, or, if not licensed to drive, is in possession of a special identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections under the provisions of R.S. 40:1321
Social Security, RailRoad, State and Public Subdivision Disability Retirement Recipients
A resident who is totally and permanently disabled and receiving a disability social security benefit may submit a current award letter from Social Security (SSI does not qualify) and a valid Louisiana driver’s license to qualify. A resident who receives disability retirement income from a retirement system whose members are exempt from federal social security, either pursuant to the Railroad Retirement Insurance Act, 45 U.S.C. 231, or because they are employees of a state or a political subdivision of the state that has not voluntarily agreed to participate in federal social security under 42 U.S.C. 418, may qualify to purchase a Disabled/Special Needs License for $4. Contact the licensing staff at (225) 765-2887 for required documents.
Bona Fide Resident
Any person who has resided in this state continuously during the 6 months immediately prior to the date on which he or she applies for any license and who has manifested his or her intent to remain in this state by establishing Louisiana as his or her legal domicile, as demonstrated by compliance with all of the following, as applicable:
- If registered to vote, he or she is registered to vote in Louisiana.
- If licensed to drive a motor vehicle, he or she is in possession of a valid Louisiana drivers license.
- If owning a motor vehicle located within Louisiana, he or she is in possession of a valid Louisiana registration for that vehicle.
- If earning an income, he or she has filed a Louisiana state income tax return and has complied with state income tax laws and regulations.
Native Licenses
Native Licenses can be purchased at any vendor location. Upon purchasing, the customer must show a copy of their Louisiana birth certificate every time. However, if you would like to be “certified” as a Native Born in the system, you can send a copy of your Louisiana birth certificate and a copy of your driver’s license to the address below. The Licensing section will then “certify” you in the system as a Native Born, and you will be able to purchase any of the Native Licenses online or never have to show your birth certificate when purchasing in person at a vendor location.
To be certified as Native Born, mail a copy of your Louisiana birth certificate and a copy of your driver’s license to:
Licensing Section
P O BOX 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
